Astronomy + Data Science, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science
The Department of Astronomy also offers a BSLAS in Computer Science & Astronomy.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science
Minimum required major and supporting course work normally equates to 62-66 hours
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
Twelve hours of 300 and 400-level courses must be taken on this campus.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours
Departmental distinction: To graduate with distinction requires a specified minimum grade point average in all Computer Science, Statistics, Information Science, and Mathematics courses listed below. A GPA of 3.25 is required for Distinction, 3.5 for High Distinction, and 3.75 for Highest Distinction.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Data Science Core | 28-31 | |
| Mathematical Foundations | ||
| MATH 220 | Calculus | 4-5 |
| or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| Linear Algebra: Select one of the following (MATH 227 or MATH 257 is recommended) | 2-4 | |
| Linear Algebra for Data Science | ||
| Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | ||
| Introductory Matrix Theory | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| Data Science Fundamentals | ||
| STAT/CS/IS 107 | Data Science Discovery | 4 |
| STAT 207 | Data Science Exploration | 4 |
| CS 307 | Modeling and Learning in Data Science | 4 |
| Computational Fundamentals | ||
| CS 277 | Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science | 4 |
| Ethics and Responsibility in Data Science | ||
| IS 467 | Ethics and Policy for Data Science | 3 |
| IS 477 | Data Management, Curation & Reproducibility | 3 |
| Required Astronomy Coursework | 31-32 | |
| PHYS 211 | University Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | University Physics: Elec & Mag | 4 |
| PHYS 213 | Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 214 | Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | 2 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Calculus III | 4 |
| ASTR 210 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| ASTR 310 | Computing in Astronomy | 3 |
| Advanced Astronomy Courses - Select two courses from the following: | 6-7 | |
| Stellar Astrophysics | ||
| Planetary Systems | ||
| Galaxies and the Universe | ||
| Astronomical Techniques | ||
| Research or Discovery Experience | 3 | |
| Individual Study | ||
or ASTR 490 | Senior Thesis | |
| One of the most important skills a student will gain in an Astronomy & Data Science degree will be the ability to present astronomical data in meaningful ways. A research or discovery experience is as much as pillar of this degree program as both the data science core coursework (Part 1) and the coursework in Astronomy (Part 2). | ||
| This experience should be developed with an advisor before the end of a student’s sophomore year and result in the creation of one or more artifacts documenting the experience. A minimum of 3 credit hours must be specifically designated to the preparation and the completion of the experience component. | ||
| Examples of possible experiences may include: | ||
| ● A semester study-abroad with at one or more courses focused on discovery while attending the international institution. | ||
| ● A multi-semester capstone experience within the student’s area of specialization. | ||
| ● A semester co-op experience outside Champaign-Urbana focused on a subject within the student’s area of specialization. | ||
| ● A multi-semester undergraduate research experience under the direction of Illinois faculty. | ||
| ● A summer NSF REU program focused within a student’s area of specialization. | ||
| Total Hours | 62-66 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Free elective course | 1 | PHYS 211 | 4 |
| MATH 220 or 221 | 5 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 | Language Other than English (4th level) | 4 |
| Composition I or STAT 107 | 4 | STAT 107 or Composition I | 4 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ASTR 210 | 3 | PHYS 213 | 2 |
| MATH 241 | 4 | PHYS 214 | 2 |
| PHYS 212 | 4 | STAT 207 | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 4 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ASTR 310 | 3 | Advanced ASTR course | 3 |
| CS 277 | 4 | CS 307 | 4 |
| MATH 225 or MATH 227 or MATH 257 or MATH 415 | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Advanced ASTR course | 3 | ASTR 390 or 490 | 3 |
| IS 467 | 3 | IS 477 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 120 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science
Department of Astronomy website
Astronomy faculty
Astronomy advising
Overview of College Admissions & Requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website
Data Science email